Coronavirus: Marouane Fellaini tests positive for COVID-19

"I will follow the treatment and hope to return to the game as soon as possible. Please everyone stay safe," former Everton and Man Utd star writes on Twitter

Sunday 22 March 2020 18:17, UK

Former Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has confirmed he has been diagnosed with coronavirus following his return to China.

Fellaini, who joined Shandong Luneng last January from United, returned to the country on Friday to link up with his Chinese Super League club and said on Twitter that he has tested positive for the virus.

"I have been tested for coronavirus and my test result is positive," he tweeted. "Thanks to the fans, medical staff and the club for their care and attention. I will follow the treatment and hope to return to the game as soon as possible. Please everyone stay safe."

The 32-year-old former Belgium international did not have a fever and was asymptomatic, his club confirmed. He has now been placed in quarantine.

Chinese football has been hit hard by the outbreak, with the start of the Chinese Super League pushed back indefinitely from its intended February 22 start date.

Fellaini, however, is the first player in the country's top flight to have returned a positive test for the virus.

Brazilian striker Dori, who plays for second division side Meizhou Hakka, was confirmed as having the virus last week while Spain-based China international Wu Lei said he was recovering from the condition on Saturday.